Description

These 3-Ingredient Sweet & Spicy Crock Pot Meatballs are the ultimate appetizer or party snack! With just three simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s both sweet and savory with a little kick. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for potlucks, game days, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing recipe with minimal effort. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic!

Ingredients:

1 (32 oz) jar of grape jelly (such as Welch’s)
2 (12 oz) bottles of Heinz Tomato Chili Sauce
5 lb bag of frozen cocktail meatballs

Preparation:

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly and chili sauce.
Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s almost boiling, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. This ensures the jelly melts completely and the sauce is well combined.
Step 3: Place the frozen meatballs into the crock pot.
Step 4: Pour the hot jelly/chili sauce mixture over the meatballs, tossing to coat them evenly. Make sure all the meatballs are well covered for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Cook on low heat for 3 hours.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Simple: Only requires 3 ingredients.
Easy: Just mix, pour, and cook!
Delicious: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Crowd-pleasing: Always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Convenient: The crock pot does all the work, freeing you up for other tasks.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Offer alongside a buffet with other snack items.
Serve over rice or mashed potatoes as a main course.
Add to slider buns for a meatball sandwich.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips:

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you don’t have grape jelly, cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute (although the flavor will be different).
To prevent sticking, you can spray the crock pot with cooking spray before adding the meatballs.
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can also use homemade meatballs for a more personalized touch.
Ensure meatballs are fully coated with sauce before cooking.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving, based on approximate calculations)

Calories: Varies depending on meatball brand, approximately 200-250

Protein: Varies depending on meatball brand, approximately 10-15g

Sodium: Varies depending on meatball brand, approximately 500-700mg

Conclusion

These Sweet & Spicy Crock Pot Meatballs are a guaranteed win for any occasion. Their simplicity, combined with the addictive sweet and spicy flavor, makes them a go-to recipe for busy cooks and party hosts alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a simple main course, these meatballs are sure to satisfy.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use a different type of jelly?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other flavors! Cranberry jelly works well, but it will give the meatballs a different, tangier flavor.

Q2: Can I use a different type of chili sauce?
A: Yes, feel free to use your favorite brand of chili sauce. Just be mindful of the spice level, as some chili sauces can be quite hot.

Q3: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Q4: Can I add any other ingredients?
A: Of course! Some popular additions include a splash of soy sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of garlic powder for added depth of flavor.

Q5: Can I use this recipe with fresh meatballs?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh meatballs will cook faster than frozen ones. Keep an eye on them and cook until they are heated through.